Once you have the know how to access Internet resources and to communicate, how
can these skills be put to use in the classroom? How can Internet access improve and
transform the quality of education in our schools? This course takes a look at some of
the current thoughts on educational renewal and the myriad of ways in which the
power of the Internet can be harnessed in schools.  SyllabusIntroductionImportant information about the course itself and how it is structured is contained in this short indroduction. UNIT ONE: Towards Excellence 1. Using the Internet in the Classroom In this introductory lesson, we set a framework for the rest of the course by looking at a taxonomy which encompasses almost any type of telecollaborative activity imaginable. Some examples of the possibilities will be explored. 2. Improving Teaching and Learning using the Internet What is considered best practice in a content area of interest to you? How does this improvement apply to your classroom? What would you like to see change in your classroom as a result of this course? These are the issues explored in this lesson. UNIT TWO: Types of Activities 3. Interpersonal Exchanges Interpersonal exchanges is the name given to one of the major categories in the taxonomy created by Judi Harris. This lesson defines and gives examples of eight kinds of classroom activities that fall within this group. 4. Information Collection Information collection is the name given to one of the major categories in the taxonomy. This lesson defines and gives examples of ten kinds of classroom activities that fall within this group. 5. Problem Solving Projects Problem solving is the name given to one of the major categories in the taxonomy. This lesson defines and gives examples of seven kinds of classroom activities that fall within this group. 6. Using Graphics in the Classroom The Internet is a rich source of images and graphics. Ideas on how to use images and graphics in the classroom are presented in this lesson. UNIT THREE: Creating Telecollaborative Activities 7. Coming up with an Idea for a Project Some of the issues that will be dealt with here are, what is the nature of the activity and what content will it cover. 8. Setting up your own Project Once you have decided on a topic for you own project, all that is left is getting on with the doing of it! The lesson provides some ideas on design, advertising, and implementation. UNIT FOUR: Excellence in Action 9. Putting it all Together What will you do? What is your plan? How will you plan to improve learning? What reforms are included in your plan?How will it be implemented? 10. User Policies and Censorship Once you and your children have access to the Internet, various issue arise. These include usage policies, censorship, and obscenity. 11. Final Reflections This final lesson is an opportunity to reflect on what you have done and learned, and to share it with others. It also provides some pointers on staying current.  |